As Australia's oldest and largest city, Sydney has become a fast-paced, vibrant centre. . Life in the city largely revolves around one of the world's most famous bodies of water — Sydney Harbour. Enhanced by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the Harbour has many bays, coves and beaches which are havens for locals and tourists alike. Sydneysiders are drawn to Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, with their bustling cafes and promenades, shopping and easy access to the city centre.

          Nestled on the eastern seaboard of Australia, Sydney is dotted with 40 beautiful surf beaches; Bondi, Coogee, Manly and Tamarama being among the most popular. The average maximum temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius in winter (June-August) to 27 degrees Celsius in the summer months (December-February). Given these warm, often humid conditions, it's hardly surprising that around 200,000 residents own registered boats — sharing space with swimmers, fishermen and Sydney's ubiquitous surfers.

        As well as being home to some of Australia's best sporting facilities (including the Sydney Cricket Ground, Football Stadium and new Olympic Stadium), Sydney also houses many major cultural institutions, mainly around the city centre. The Australian Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, State Conservatorium of Music, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and the National Maritime Museum all provide respite from the great outdoors.These institutions complement the burgeoning film and theatre scene, which caters to fringe as well as mainstream audiences. Annual cinematic feasts such as the Sydney International Film Festival and Tropfest have added to Sydney's status as a global cultural centre.